Chemglass CG-9504-01 Owner's manual

MB27 Moisture Analyzer

Instruction Manual

Analizador de humedad MB27

Manual de Instrucciones

Analyseur d’humidité MB27

Guide de I’utilisateur

MB27 Feuchtebestimmer

Bedienungsanleitung

MB27 Analizzatore di umidità

Manuale d’instruzioni

MB27 EN-1

1. INTRODUCTION

Safety Precautions

For safe and dependable operation of this moisture Analyzer, please comply with the following safety

precautions:

 Use the Analyzer exclusively for determination of moisture in samples. Improper operation of the

Analyzer can endanger personnel and cause property damage.

 If the Analyzer is used in a manner not specified in this manual, the protection provided may be

impaired.

 Verify that the input voltage printed on the voltage identification label information and the plug type

matches the local AC power supply.

 The Analyzer has a 3-pin power cable that includes a ground connection. Intentionally disabling the

equipment grounding connection is prohibited.

 Do not position the Analyzer so that it is difficult to disconnect the Power Plug from the local AC power

supply.

 Make sure that the power cord does not pose any obstacle or tripping hazard.

 Do not operate the Analyzer in hazardous, wet or unstable environments.

 Disconnect the Analyzer from the power supply when cleaning the Analyzer.

 Ensure sufficient free space around the Analyzer as a safety zone. Allow at least 1 meter of free space

above the Analyzer.

 The Analyzer must be operated only by trained personnel who are familiar with the properties of the

samples being tested and with the equipment operation.

 Use appropriate personal safety equipment such as safety glasses, gloves, protective clothing and

respirators.

 Do not make any modifications to the Analyzer.

 Service should be performed only by authorized personnel.

The Moisture Analyzer works with heat!

 Never place flammable materials on, below or next to the Analyzer.

 Use caution when removing a test sample. The sample, the sample chamber, the heating element and

the surrounding areas may be very hot and can cause burns.

Some samples require special care!

 Should there be any uncertainty regarding the safety of a substance, perform a careful risk analysis. In

such cases, never leave the Analyzer unattended.

 Fire or explosion: Substances which contain solvents or release flammable or explosive vapors when

heated. With such samples, work at drying temperatures low enough to prevent the formation of flames

or an explosion.

 Poisoning or burning: Substances which contain toxic or caustic components should only be dried in a

fume hood.

 Corrosive: Substances which release corrosive vapors when heated should be tested in small amounts.

 The user assumes responsibility for any damage caused by the use of these types of samples.

Application Disclaimer

Moisture determination applications must be optimized and validated by the user according to local

regulations. Application specific data provided by OHAUS is for reference purposes only. OHAUS waives all

liability for applications based on this data.

EN-2 MB27

2. INSTALLATION

Package Contents

Moisture Analyzer

Draft Shield

In-Use Cover

Pan Support

Power Cable

50 Sample Pans

Glass Fiber Pad

Instruction Manual

Sample Pan Handler

Selecting the Location

 Operate the Analyzer on a firm, level surface.

 Select a location that is safe and with adequate ventilation. Fire, corrosive or toxic fumes and other hazards associated

with the test samples will require specially prepared locations.

 Ensure that the location has easy access to the local AC power supply.

 Avoid locations with rapid temperature changes, excessive humidity, air currents, vibrations, electromagnetic fields,

heat or direct sunlight.

Installing Components

(1) Install and position Draft Shield

(2) Install Pan Support, turn until it

engages into position

Optional Sample Pan Handler - Slide an

empty sample pan under the pan

handler, then place over the pan

support.

Connecting Power

Verify that the input voltage printed on the voltage identification label information

and the plug type matches the locations AC power supply.

Connect the supplied power cable to the power input receptacle at the rear of the

Analyzer and into a properly grounded power outlet.

Power: On (short press) / Off / Standby Mode (long press)

When powered on from standby mode, the Analyzer is ready for immediate use.

See also Section 1, Safety Precautions.

After connecting the Analyzer to the AC supply (standby mode), allow the Analyzer to warm up for at

least 15 minutes for best results.

MB27 EN-3

3. OPERATION

Leveling the equipment

The MB27 has a level bubble in a small round window near the display.

Make sure that the bubble is centered in the circle and that he equipment is level each time its location is changed.

Display

 Stable indicator

% Percent solids

%



Percent moisture

g grams

100° Temperature setting or current chamber temperature (Celsius)

10:00 Time setting (minutes : seconds)

Controls

Button:

Name:

Quick Functions:

Button:

Name:

Quick Functions:

Start / Stop

On (short press) / Off (long press)

Start/Stop (short press)

Back (short press)

Set 

Increase value

(short or long press)

Tare

Tare (short press)

Enter / Accept value (short press)

Set 

Decrease value

(short or long press)

Temp

Temperature Setting (short press)

Print / Cal

Print (short press)

Calibrate (long press)

Time

Time Setting (short press)

%g

Result Unit (short press)

There are also several modes of operation which affect how each button operates. Please refer to the following section.

Operating Modes

Standby Mode

When the Analyzer is connected to AC power and the display is off, the unit is in Standby mode.

Start (Short press) Turns on the display and enters Weigh mode.

Print (Long press) Displays the RS232 settings (see Section 6, RS232 Data Connection.). Thereafter,

Set  (Short or long press) Switch the RS232 setting between two settings. (see section 6, RS232 Data Settings)

Set  (Short or long press) Switch the RS232 setting between two settings. (see section 6, RS232 Data Settings)

Print (Short press) Re-enters Standby mode (off).

Weigh Mode

The display shows the weight of items placed on the pan support.

Tare (Short press) Sets the displayed weight value to zero

Start (Long press) Enters Standby mode (Off)

The following operations can be initiated:

Temp (Short press) Enters Edit mode for the temperature setting, the value will blink

Time (Short press) Enters Edit mode for the time setting, the value will blink

EN-4 MB27

Start (Short press) Activates Run mode, initiates test with a sample greater than 0.5 g

Cal (Long press) Initiates weight or temperature Calibration (see Section 5, Maintenance)

Temperature / Time Edit Mode (Preparing a Test)

Temperature editing: (50° to 160°C in 5° steps)

Temp (Short press) Enters Edit mode for the temperature setting, the value will blink.

Set  (Short or long press) Increases the value of the temperature setting.

Set  (Short or long press) Decreases the value of the temperature setting.

Tare (Short press) Accepts the blinking value and returns to Weigh mode.

Start (Short press) Exits Edit mode without saving changes.

Note: After 5 seconds of no activity the blinking setting is automatically saved and the mode returns to Weigh.

Time editing: (1 to 60 minutes in 30 second steps, 61 to 99 minutes in 1 minute steps)

The time parameter can be set to timed duration or AUTO (the test ends when the Analyzer detects the weight loss has

ended). Selecting AUTO or timed duration:

Time (Short press) Enters Edit mode for the time setting, the value will blink.

Time (Short press) While the time setting is blinking, toggles between AUTO and a time value.

Tare Accepts the blinking setting.

If AUTO is selected Weigh mode is entered.

If time duration is selected:

Set  (Short or long press) Increases the value of the time setting.

Set  (Short or long press) Decreases the value of the time setting.

Tare (Short press) Accepts the blinking value and returns to Weigh mode.

Start (Short press) Exits Edit mode without saving changes.

Note: After 5 seconds of no activity the blinking setting is automatically saved and the mode returns to Weigh.

Run Mode (Performing a Test)

A moisture determination test is initiated. The results in progress are displayed.

Start (Short press) Activates Run mode, initiates test with a sample greater than 0.5 g.

%g Changes the unit of the displayed result: weight (grams) > % Moisture > % Solids.

Stop (Short press) Manually stops the test in progress.

Print Sends the current displayed value to the RS232.

Result Mode

At the end of the test (Run Mode), the display blinks the test result.

%g Changes the unit of the displayed result: weight (grams) > % Moisture > % Solids.

Tare Exits to Weigh mode.

Print Sends the current displayed value to the RS232.

How to Prepare a Test

Moisture determinations can be made very simply. The three steps are:

(1) Setting the drying temperature (see Section 3).

(2) Setting the drying time, and (see Section 3).

(3) Preparing the sample to be tested:

 Place the Pan Handler with empty test pan on the Pan Support (see Section 2).

 Press Tare to zero out the pan weight.

 Remove the test pan and place the test sample onto the test pan. The sample must be greater than 0.5g.

 Spread the sample evenly across the test pan.

 Place the test pan with the sample on the Pan Support. The weight value of the sample will be displayed.

Section 4. Test Optimization gives hints on determining optimal drying temperatures and times, sample

sizes, and proper preparation of samples.

How to Perform a Test

(1) Close the Heater Cover.

(2) Press Start to begin the test (press Start again to stop the test in progress).

(3) When the test is over the display will blink showing the final result.

(4) To change the displayed units, press %g.

(5) To print the current displayed value, press Print.

(6) Press Tare to exit to Weigh mode.

MB27 EN-5

Performing a Trial Test

Prior to actual testing, a test run can be performed with these suggested settings:

(1) Temperature = 120

(2) Time = AUTO

(3) Sample = 3g of water. Place a glass fiber pad (included with the Analyzer) on the test pan, place on Pan Support.

Press Tare to zero the pan weight. Add 3g of water to the fiber pad.

(4) Press Start to initiate the test. A perfect result on the trial test would be: 0g, 100% moisture or 0%solids.

Results may vary slightly due to weighing errors involved with a small sample, or other experimental

errors. See also Section 4. Test Optimization.

4. TEST OPTIMIZATION

Moisture is determined from the weight loss of a sample dried by heating.

The speed and quality of the measurement process will rely on the following parameters. Experimentation will also help

ascertain the optimal setup of these parameters:

 Drying temperature

 Drying time

 Sample weight

 Sample preparation

 Type of sample

Drying Temperature

 The drying temperature exerts a controlling influence on the drying time (e.g., a low temperature can prolong the drying

time unnecessarily).

 Select a drying temperature that neither decomposes nor changes the chemical structure of the sample.

 Some samples can give off different amounts of moisture at different drying temperatures. In these cases, deviations

can be compensated by changing the drying temperature.

Drying Time

This analyzer has three methods to establish the drying time.

 Manual, where the user stops the test in progress by pressing the Stop button. The test must be longer than 30

seconds to be a valid test.

 Automatic, which ends the drying process when detecting less than 1mg loss in 60 seconds. To keep the drying time

short, select a small sample weight that still maintains the required measurement accuracy.

 Timed duration, where the test ends when the pre-set drying time elapses.

Sample Weight

The weight of a sample influences the measurement time and repeatability of the results. With large amounts of samples,

more moisture must be vaporized and the process takes longer. Generally, the sample weight should be between 3g and

20g. 3g samples give fast results with some sacrifice in accuracy. 20g samples generally give more consistent results

but require a longer test time.

Another way to determine the sample weight is to use the relation between sample weight and repeatability, as shown in

the following table. If requiring repeatability results better than ±0.3%, for example, the table indicates that a sample

weight of at least 2g will be needed.

Sample Weight

Repeatability

0.5g

1g

2g

5g

10g

±1.0%

±0.6%

±0.3%

±0.12%

±0.06%

Sample Preparation

Samples must always be uniform and representative of the total amount to obtain accurate and reproducible results.

When preparing samples, it is essential to ensure thin and uniform distribution of the sample on the test pan (i.e., avoid

piling and excessive amounts).

EN-6 MB27

Types of Samples

Pasty, fat containing and melting substances

Use a glass fiber filter to increase the surface area of these types of samples (e.g., butter). The moisture in these

substances is more uniformly distributed through the filter. The increased surface area results in faster and more complete

vaporization of the moisture.

Liquid substances

Liquids (e.g., dispersions) tend to form drops on the test pan, which prevents rapid drying. Use of a glass fiber filter

shortens the drying time significantly as the filter distributes the liquid sample over a larger surface area.

Skin-forming and temperature sensitive substances

Formation of a film on the surface of these samples can prevent complete determination of moisture. Using a glass fiber

filter to cover the sample allow gentler and more beneficial heating, improving reproducitility.

Sugar-containing substances

Samples containing large amounts of sugar tend to caramelize. Ensure that a thin and uniform layer is applied and a

moderate temperature selected. The sample can also be covered with a glass fiber filter that improves reproducitility.

The following substances present risk of fire, explosion, damage or injury.

Should there be any uncertainty regarding the safety of a substance, always perform a careful risk

analysis. In such cases, never leave the Analyzer unattended.

Volatile substances

With volatile samples, rapid application of the sample on the test pan is advisable, to limit the moisture from escaping

before the initial weight is recorded. These substances also include samples treated with solvents, and substances which

contain solvents or release flammable or explosive vapors. Work at drying temperatures low enough to prevent the

formation of flames or an explosion. Always work with small samples (maximum 1g).

Poisonous and toxic substances

Substances which contain toxic or caustic components should only be dried in a fume hood.

Corrosive substances

Substances which release corrosive vapors when heated (e.g. acids) should be tested in small amounts. The vapors can

condense on the Analyzer parts causing corrosion.

MB27 EN-7

5. MAINTENANCE

Weight Calibration

Weight calibration is rarely required. Moisture analyzers use relative weight values to determine the results, so a minor

offset from the absolute weight has little effect on accuracy. OHAUS moisture analyzers have rugged, high quality

temperature stabilized weighing modules that retain their calibration over long periods of time.

(1) Remove any load on the Pan Support including the sample pan.

(2) Press and hold Cal while in the Weigh mode. “CAL” will appear followed by “50.00g”.

(3) Place a 50g calibration mass on the Pan Support. The display will show “-----”.

(4) Remove the mass when “--0--” is shown on the display. The display will show “-----”.

(5) The Analyzer will return to Weigh mode when calibration is complete.

Note: Pressing START will cancel the calibration without saving the changes.

Temperature Calibration

Temperature calibration is rarely required under normal use. If the heating elements become dirty, the usual setting may

no longer produce the same results. A temperature calibration can correct for these changes.

Use only the OHAUS Temperature Calibration Kit (accessory) to perform temperature calibration.

Damage to the Analyzer can occur if using other methods.

(1) Remove the Pan Support for the temperature calibration to start.

(2) Place the OHAUS Temperature Calibration Kit into the temperature chamber (see Kit Instructions). Close Cover.

(3) Press and hold Cal until “Cal” is displayed. When Cal is released “TC100” will appear and the heater turns on.

(4) After 15 minutes, the unit will beep and blink “100” on the display.

(5) Read the thermometer on the Temperature Calibration Kit and press Set to change and match the displayed

value to the thermometer reading.

(6) Press Tare to enter the value. The display will show “TC160” as the heater turns on again.

(7) After 15 minutes, the unit will beep and blink “160” on the display.

(8) Read the thermometer on the Temperature Calibration Kit and press Set to change and match the displayed

value to the thermometer reading.

(9) Press Tare to enter the value. The Analyzer returns to Weigh mode.

(10) Temperature calibration is now complete.

Note: If Tare is not pressed within 10 minutes the calibration will be aborted.

Cleaning

 Disconnect the Analyzer from the power supply before cleaning the Analyzer.

 Make sure that no liquid enters the interior of the Analyzer.

 Make sure the Analyzer is cooled down before cleaning.

 Clean the Analyzer at regular intervals.

 Housing surfaces and the temperature sensor may be

cleaned with a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water

or a mild cleaning agent.

 Glass surfaces may be cleaned with a commercial glass

cleaner.

 Do not use solvents, harsh chemicals, ammonia or

abrasive cleaning agents.

Protective glass

Temperature sensor

EN-8 MB27

Troubleshooting

Symptom / Display

Possible Cause

Remedy

Cannot turn on

No power to analyzer

Verify connections, fuse and voltage

Weight value blinking

Sample weight less than 0.5g

Increase sample size

“Tare” shown

Pan weight needs set to zero

Press Tare

“Close Cover” shown

Cover needs to be closed before starting test

Close cover

Poor accuracy

Improper calibration

Unstable environment

Perform calibration

Move the analyzer to suitable location

Cannot calibrate

Unstable environment

Incorrect calibration masses

Move the analyzer to suitable location

Use correct calibration masses

Err 7.0

Time out

Err 8.1

Pan support has load during power on

Remove weight from pan support

Err 8.2

Pan support was removed prior to power on

Install pan support

Err 8.3

Weight on pan support exceeds capacity

Remove weight from the pan support

Err 8.4

Pan support was removed during weighing

Re-install pan support

Err 8.5

Cannot perform temperature calibration

Cool down the analyzer

Err 8.6

Current temperature is higher than setting

Cool down the analyzer

Err 9.5

Factory calibration data corrupted